Police Caution Drivers to Be Vigilant as Road Accidents Increase

BRADES – The number of traffic accidents in 2015 has already surpassed that of last year by 42%

According to the latest Crime and Road Safety Statistics from the Royal Montserrat Police Service, 38 accidents have been recorded since the start of 2015 compared to only 22 in 2014 over the same period from January to April.

The report reveals that men between the ages of 26 and 30 are responsible for most of the accidents on island. Accidents occur more frequently on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays with the majority occurring at peak times between 8AM and 10AM, and 4PM and 6PM.

A total of eight accidents were recorded during the morning hours, seven accidents after work ends at 4PM and six during the lunch period of noon to 2PM.

Most of the accidents which fit these times happen between Ashok Supermarket and the St. John’s Clinic, the report reveals.

Also highlighted in the latest statistics is that most accidents occur in Brades, followed by Sweeney’s, St. John’s and Davy Hill. Commissioner Steve Foster has stated that no arrests have been made in connection with the fatal traffic accident in Davy Hill, which took the life of one man in April. He added that his department was being very thorough particularly as a member of his force had been involved.

The police service will continue to increase their presence particularly in accident prone areas as well as the radio program Drive Time which helps to sensitize drivers about their responsibilities. Drivers are urged to consider the safety of others one the road.

While there was no evidence of accidents caused by use of cell phones, drivers are urged to answer only calls considered to be emergency calls and pull over to the side of the road when doing so.

1 Response

On Montserrat I call Friday “Idiot Friday” for very good reason, because that’s when road courtesy is abandoned, especially on the Brades main road. On many occasions I have witnessed pedestrians start out on a crosswalk only to jump back or hesitate because cars come pelting down the road, completely ignoring the pedestrians who want to cross the road. Vehicles should, but do not, slow down when approaching a crosswalk. On “Idiot Fridays” there should be a police presence at the crosswalks by Ashok’s and also by The Lyme.